A celebration of academic brilliance: ANC Awards Night & Graduation Ceremony 2015

ANC Awards Night 2015, a night that recognizes the hard work and dedication of the students who have strived to achieve excellence in education at ANC Education was held on 17th July at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre amidst a distinguished gathering. The occasion was graced by Dr Jagath Alwis, Chairman of ANC, Dr Punarjeeva Karunanayake, CEO/Executive Director of ANC, HE Shelly Whiting, Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Keynote speaker, Dr Asanka Ratnayake, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka, Mr Donald Cordell, Cultural Affairs Officer at the US Embassy, Dr Michael GraneyMullholand, Dean of Undergraduate Programs at John F Kennedy University, Dr. Mamiko Reeves, Dean of International Programmes at Northwood University, Mr. Jay Jayathilleke, Director Marketing & Future Students at Monash University – Malaysia, Mr. Phillip Ells, Head of Enterprise and International Course Development-Ealing Law School at University of West London and representatives of respective universities and ANC, students and parents. Nearly 250 students graduated, both as undergraduates and postgraduates, and over 150 students were awarded as High Achievers as well. Further more than 200 transferred to eminent universities in Australia, USA, Canada and Malaysia to complete their degrees.

ANC Education, which was founded in 2002 and headed by Dr Jagath Alwis is the largest education conglomerate in Sri Lanka. The institution has been in the forefront of the tertiary education system in the country since its establishment. Providing quality education is at the core of ANC Education and their expertise touch a wide spectrum of educational segments such as pre- school, secondary school, undergraduate, postgraduate programmes, PATHE Study Medicine and Study Germany. ANC Education has partnered with some of the most prominent universities in USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and Malaysia to deliver the best education possibilities to students in Sri Lanka while advancing their motto of ‘education without borders’.

In his opening remarks during the ceremony while looking back at many of the new programmes, developments and projects initiated in the year 2014/15 Dr Punarjeeva Karunanayake, CEO/Executive Director of ANC revealed, “In the academic year 2015/16 we will try to expand our degree offerings into the fields of Engineering, Law at the Undergraduate level, and Psychology, Hospitality and Information Technology at the graduate level. The above developments would create five dedicated schools namely the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Institute of Business, Hospitality, IT, Engineering and Law. The future students centre is going to be a one-of-a-kind dedicated one stop shop that will be established under the vision of our Chairman. This education centre for future students will give free advice, free test prep, and counseling and free visa services for any deserving student who desires to study in a global university.” He further went onto congratulate the students. “Be very passionate about what you do. If you are very passionate about what you do you are going to do it very well. And if you do something really well you are going to achieve great heights. I wish you all the very best for future endeavours.”

The Night witnessed the presentation of High and Best Achievement Awards to students who reached exceptional levels at programmes conducted in conjunction with John F Kennedy University (JFKU), Northwood University, Missouri University of Science and Technology (MS&T), Monash College Diploma and Monash University Foundation Year. Further the Awards Night celebrated the graduation of more than 100 graduate students from the MBA, MSC and LLM Programmes conducted in collaboration with the University of West London.

Having more than a decade’s experience in the field of private education, ANC has grown through the years and as such the institute has been able to cultivate a long lasting relationship with the US Embassy in Sri Lanka where they have been able to successfully place many Sri Lankan students in universities located in various states. Mr Donald Cordell, Cultural Affairs Officer at the US Embassy said, “Education is a powerful tool. through your education you have opened up your future. You got a little piece of paper, your diploma, you will receive today and without that little piece of paper many would not consider you qualified. Your job prospects, earnings potential futures could be limited. Its amazing the difference this little paper makes.” He further went onto say that the most important asset from your education is the ability to learn. “With your degree form overseas and your strong global perspective, you will be a tremendous asset to Sri Lanka... I would like to commend the mission of ANC to create global thinkers and we stand as partners in strengthening the education, business and social ties between the people of the United States and people of Sri Lanka.”

In his keynote speech, Dr Asanka Ratnayake, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka explained, “As you graduate today you leave with a licence to a world of opportuni- ties. Now you need to create your own destiny in terms of your career... Those who are committed to their jobs, who are passionate about the work they do, who has a high integrity, and with the positive inter personal skills, will stand out.” He also said, “You must continue to learn and better yourself. Success is a journey and not a destination. Receiving your certificates, diplomas or degrees today does not signal an end but rather a beginning of a long journey.”